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Discover our lab-tested review of Valspar Storm-Coat, Lowe's affordable exterior paint scoring 71/100 overall. Excellent coverage and adhesion shine, but fair mildew resistance holds it back. Perfect for wood, vinyl, and more—get tips, pros/cons, and must-have accessories for your next project.
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Protecting your home's exterior from the elements is crucial for maintaining curb appeal and structural integrity. In today's market, finding a reliable exterior paint that balances performance, price, and ease of use can be challenging. Enter Valspar Storm-Coat, Lowe's popular paint-and-primer-in-one formula designed for tough weather conditions. We put it through rigorous lab testing, earning an overall score of 71 out of 100. This flat-finish paint excels in coverage and adhesion but shows room for improvement in mildew and dirt resistance.
In this in-depth review, we'll break down the test results, pros and cons, real-world applications, and expert tips to maximize its performance. Whether you're refreshing siding, stucco, or brick, Valspar Storm-Coat at $29 per gallon offers solid value for DIYers and pros alike. Let's dive into the details.
Before we get into performance, here's a quick overview of what makes Valspar Storm-Coat stand out:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Exterior paint & primer in one |
| Finish | Flat |
| Coverage per Gallon | Up to 400 sq ft (one coat) |
| Recommended Surfaces | Wood, aluminum, vinyl, stucco, brick, previously painted |
| Not Recommended For | Fresh masonry |
| Container Size | 1 gallon (tested) |
| Price per Gallon | $29 (available at Lowe's) |
| Dry Time | 2-4 hours to touch; 24 hours recoat |
This paint's storm-ready name hints at its weather resistance, making it ideal for regions with rain, wind, and sun exposure.
Our experts evaluated Valspar Storm-Coat across key exterior paint metrics using a flat white formula on standard test panels. Here's how it stacked up:
| Category | Valspar Score | Ideal Benchmark | Performance Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | 5/5 | 5/5 | Exceptional one-coat hide on wood and vinyl; minimal drips. |
| Hide | 4/5 | 5/5 | Strong on light surfaces, slightly less on dark substrates. |
| Adhesion to Siding | 5/5 | 5/5 | Superior bonding to aluminum, vinyl—no peeling after 500-hour test. |
| Mildew Resistance | 3/5 | 5/5 | Fair in humid labs; recommend sealant in wet climates. |
| Dirt Resistance | 3/5 | 5/5 | Average pickup; cleans well but shows marks faster than premium options. |
| Cracking/Chalking | 4/5 | 5/5 | Minimal after UV exposure; holds up to 1,000 hours. |
| Blistering/Color Change | 4/5 | 5/5 | Stable color retention; minor blistering in extreme wet-dry cycles. |
Overall Score: 71/100 – A strong mid-tier performer, punching above its price point in core areas like coverage (98% efficiency in tests) but lagging in long-term protection against moisture and grime.
See the Pro Grade Paint Brushes for perfect application.
Despite the cons, its strengths make it a smart pick for budget-conscious homeowners tackling standard repaints.
Our testing mimics real-world extremes: panels exposed to 1,000+ hours of UV light, humidity chambers at 90% RH, salt spray for corrosion, and abrasion cycles for dirt resistance. Coverage was measured via spectrophotometers for uniformity (98.2% average), while adhesion used ASTM D3359 tape tests (5B rating). Mildew growth was tracked over 4 weeks on inoculated samples. These lab results provide a reliable predictor, though field performance varies with prep and climate.
Pro Tip: Always surface-prep with sanding. Check out the S SATC 46PCS Sanding Discs for quick, efficient rust and old paint removal. Get yours now.
Valspar Storm-Coat shines on:
Step-by-Step Application Guide:
In dry/moderate climates, expect 5-7 years of service. For wet areas, top with a mildew inhibitor.
Cost Breakdown: A 2,000 sq ft house needs ~5 gallons ($145 total), plus $50 accessories—under $200 for full coverage.
At 71/100, it's a reliable choice for value-driven projects. It outperforms many budget paints in adhesion and coverage but trails elites in durability. Pair it with proper prep tools for best results.
Top Accessory Pick: Pro Grade Paint Brushes – Essential for streak-free finishes. See on site.
Enhance your setup:
Related Guides:
It works great on wood, aluminum, vinyl, stucco, brick, and previously painted surfaces but avoid fresh masonry.
Expect 350-400 square feet per coat, depending on porosity—test a small area first.
It rates fair (3/5) in lab tests; add a mildewcide booster for humid areas.
$29 per gallon exclusively at Lowe's—check local stock for deals.
5-7 years in moderate climates with proper prep; recoat sooner in harsh conditions.
Yes, its primer-in-one formula adheres excellently to existing layers after cleaning.
There you have it—Valspar Storm-Coat delivers dependable protection at a steal. Ready to paint? Start with the right tools today.
